Lely Zeta AI Calving Monitor

Overview

Lely Zeta AI Calving Monitor is an AI-powered barn monitoring system launched by Lely in September 2024 as part of their "Yellow Revolution" concept for next-generation dairy farming. The system provides automated 24/7 monitoring of calving processes using computer vision and machine learning, representing Lely's expansion beyond robotics into intelligent barn surveillance.

The system consists of a single fixture mounted above the calving pen containing a high-resolution camera, LED lighting with "full moon" mode for nighttime operation, a mini-computer for real-time AI processing, and wireless connectivity. This integrated design minimizes installation complexity while providing comprehensive monitoring capabilities.

Lely Zeta's AI is trained to recognize calving stages and detect contractions through behavioral pattern analysis. The system provides real-time contraction scores visible in the Lely mobile app, along with labor progression tracking and complication alerts. When the calving process takes too long or complications are detected, the system triggers immediate notifications to farm staff.

Snapshot

Product Name: Lely Zeta AI Calving Monitor

Company: Lely

Category: AI Camera Systems for Dairy Farms

Description: AI-powered calving monitor with integrated camera, lighting, and on-board processing that detects contractions, tracks labor stages, and alerts farm staff to calving events and complications.

Who It's For: Dairy farms seeking automated calving surveillance with minimal infrastructure and integration with the Lely ecosystem.

What It Does Best: Provides real-time contraction scoring and labor progression monitoring through AI analysis of cow behavior, with immediate alerts for calving events and complications.

Why It Matters: Timely detection of calving complications reduces calf mortality and dam health issues. 24/7 automated monitoring fills surveillance gaps, especially during nighttime hours.

Ideal Users

Farm Types: Dairy operations with calving programs, particularly those using or considering Lely robotics

Herd Size: All sizes; designed for scalability from single calving pen to multiple installations

Roles: Herd managers, calving staff, farm owners

Main Features

AI-Powered Contraction Detection

Neural networks trained to recognize calving stages and detect contractions through behavioral pattern analysis

Real-Time Contraction Scoring

Provides contraction scores visible in mobile app, showing labor intensity and progression

Labor Stage Tracking

Monitors progression through different stages of the calving process

Complication Alerts

Triggers immediate notifications when labor takes too long or complications are detected

Integrated LED Lighting

Dynamic lighting with "full moon" mode for optimal nighttime monitoring without disturbing cows

Live Video Feed

Smartphone app provides real-time video access to the calving pen from anywhere

Advanced Features

On-Board AI Processing

Mini-computer integrated into the fixture performs real-time analysis locally

Over-the-Air Updates

System receives software updates via internet connection for continuous improvement

Expandable Network

Multiple fixtures can be deployed to create a comprehensive barn monitoring system

Lely Horizon Integration

Connects with Lely Horizon data management platform for centralized farm monitoring

Robot Coordination

AI Barn Monitor version monitors and controls interactions with Lely mobile barn robots

Cow Location Tracking

Spotlight feature follows individual cows through the barn (in expanded Barn Monitor configuration)

Data and Integrations

Integrates With: Lely Horizon data management platform, Lely Astronaut milking robots, Lely Discovery Collector, Lely Juno feed pusher

Data Flows: Calving events integrate with herd management data in Lely Horizon

Competitive Advantages

All-in-One Design: Camera, lighting, processing, and connectivity in single fixture

Contraction Scoring: Unique feature providing labor intensity metrics

Lely Ecosystem: Seamless integration with Lely robotics and management platform

On-Device Processing: Real-time analysis without cloud latency

Simple Installation: Single fixture requires only power and data cable

Continuous Improvement: Over-the-air software updates add new capabilities

Implementation

Timeline: Installation day for hardware; AI learning period; ongoing optimization

Infrastructure Requirements:

Single fixture mounted above calving pen

Power supply

Data cable connection

Internet connectivity for updates and remote access

Installation: Single fixture design simplifies installation compared to multi-component systems

Implementation Tips

Position fixture to capture complete view of calving area

Test mobile app alerts to ensure reliable notification delivery

Train staff on interpreting contraction scores

Establish intervention protocols based on alert types

Plan for integration with existing Lely equipment if applicable

Training and Support

Training: System orientation, app training, protocol development through local Lely Centers

Support: Available through local Lely Centers worldwide; remote diagnostics; over-the-air updates

Pricing

Status: Not yet commercially available as of January 2026

Expected Launch: 2026 in UK and select markets

Pricing Model: Anticipated to include unit cost plus ongoing subscription

Current Status: Field testing on 8 trial farms in Netherlands

Pricing Information: Contact local Lely Center for updates and availability

Pros and Limitations

Strengths

Integrated all-in-one fixture design

Unique contraction scoring capability

Local AI processing for real-time response

Dynamic lighting for 24/7 operation

Integration with Lely ecosystem

Simple installation requirements

Over-the-air updates for continuous improvement

Limitations

Not yet commercially available (launching 2026)

Pricing not yet confirmed

Optimal for Lely ecosystem users

Limited to calving pen monitoring

Requires internet for remote access and updates

Best For

Farms using or planning Lely robotics

Operations wanting all-in-one monitoring solution

Dairies seeking Lely ecosystem integration

Early technology adopters willing to wait for availability

Not Ideal For

Farms needing immediate solution (not yet commercial)

Operations without Lely equipment who want vendor-agnostic options

Dairies without reliable internet

Future Development

Lely has announced a roadmap for Zeta that includes:

Early health problem detection

More detailed calving process monitoring

Feed intake registration

Enhanced robot scheduling

Pasture access integration

KPI and productivity monitoring

The AI Barn Monitor configuration expands capabilities to full barn monitoring including heat detection, cow location tracking, and coordination with Lely mobile robots.

Company Background

Lely is a Dutch agricultural technology company founded in 1948, best known for pioneering automatic milking systems with the Lely Astronaut. The company has expanded into automatic feeding, manure cleaning, and barn management. Lely Zeta represents their entry into AI-powered barn monitoring, announced at Dairy Day September 2024 as part of the "Yellow Revolution" concept for next-generation dairy farming.

Website: lely.com

Headquarters: Maassluis, Netherlands

Contact: Available through local Lely Centers worldwide

Evaluation Questions

Before selecting Lely Zeta, consider:

Are we willing to wait for commercial availability (expected 2026)?

Do we use or plan to use other Lely equipment?

Is Lely Horizon integration valuable for our operation?

What is our current calving surveillance approach?

Do we have reliable internet connectivity?

Are we interested in expanding to full barn monitoring in the future?